The bombing shook Taksim, a heavily trafficked tourist and shopping plaza in the city?s Beyoglu district, at 10:30 am According to a televised statement from Istanbul?s police chief, Huseyin Capkin, the unidentified male bomber attempted to access a parked police van in the square, however the explosives detonated before he could reach his target. Police presence is a common feature in the area which historically has been the location of large political gatherings and demonstrations. The bomber appears to have been the only person killed.